MUMBAI: When truth plays hide and seek with lies, the chase makes for dangerous cinema. Zee5, India’s largest homegrown video streaming platform, has lifted the curtain on its next original film, Bhagwat, a taut crime thriller inspired by true events. Produced by Jio Studios in association with Baweja Studios and Dog ‘n’ Bone Pictures, the film promises an edge-of-the-seat battle between morality and deception.
At the centre of Bhagwat is Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, played by Arshad Warsi, whose seemingly routine case of a missing woman mutates into a sinister labyrinth of secrets, suspected trafficking, and unrelenting deceit. In parallel, a fragile romance brews between Meera and Sameer, portrayed by Jitendra Kumar, a professor whose vulnerability offers a stark counterpoint to the dark suspense unfolding in Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh.
Directed by Akshay Shere, the film marks a fresh pairing of two powerhouse performers. Warsi, best known for his wry comic timing, plunges into gritty intensity, while Jitendra Kumar, beloved for his affable roles in Panchayat and Kota Factory, pivots into uncharted territory. Their face-off anchors a thriller where emotion and tension collide.
“Bhagwat is a powerful reflection of our vision: a gripping thriller that’s as emotionally layered as it is suspenseful,” said Kaveri Das, Business Head – Hindi, Zee5. “Arshad Warsi brings remarkable nuance, while Jitendra Kumar’s compelling avatar is sure to surprise.”
For Jio Studios COO & CFO Priyanka Chaudhary the film underlines a mission to deliver stories rooted in India yet resonant globally. “Bhagwat embodies that mission, a taut, heartland thriller that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Building on the success of Mrs., this marks another exciting collaboration with Zee5,” she noted.
Producer Harman Baweja echoed the sentiment, calling the film “a journey into the shadows of human nature, where love, deception, and justice collide.” For Baweja Studios, Bhagwat is another stride in backing stories that are bold, relevant, and emotionally compelling.
Zee5, which has been steadily building a slate of original dramas that go beyond formula, sees Bhagwat as one of its standout offerings of the year. With its mix of crime, suspense, and romance, the film seeks not only to entertain but to leave viewers reflecting long after the credits roll.
Streaming soon and exclusively on Zee5, Bhagwat promises to keep audiences guessing right until the final reveal.